BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE. . .

I have really enjoyed the Happy Times paper pack this month, and I thought I'd post one more reminder before it is history!  During the month of May, you can purchase this limited edition paper pack for only $14.95 or get it completely FREE with a $60 purchase.  If you purchase this paper pack from me this month, you are invited to attend my layout or card workshop on Thursday, June 16th.  If you're long-distance, I'd be happy to e-mail you the instructions for either or both workshops. There are some additional items that you will need for these workshops. . .scroll down to my previous post to see the list.  If you want to complete the workshops at home, note that you will also need Gold Shimmer Trim, Pomegranate Cardstock (for the layout) and additional white cardstock for the layout and card bases.  If you're attending the class on the 16th, I'll provide those additional items.  You can order all the items you need at http://christina.ctmh.com

If you'd like to see MORE artwork with this awesome paper pack, head on over to Pinterest and type "CTMH Happy Times" into your search box.   Then, just watch the magic happen!!!

Fun Folds and Interactive Card Workshop, June 7th

I finally got a few minutes to sit down and work on projects for my upcoming Fun Folds and Interactive Card Workshop, which I've scheduled for June 7th.  I've done interactive card classes before, and some of these cards can be a little tricky.  This time, I'm keeping the card designs pretty simple--ones that you can easily replicate.  That's partly because I want to spend some time teaching you all how to make the adorable paper purse/basket shown below.  I'll probably throw in at least one more card for this class.  If you'd like to attend, let me know.  Cost will be $12.

I think this card turned out so cute!  This is a "Joy Fold Card."  I'm not sure why it's called that, but the idea is that it has a smaller flap that opens up first and then you can fold down the front of the card.  You use some kind of stamped image (like the onesie) to hold the front flap down.  For this card, I used the stamp set that comes in the Georgie Workshop on the Go kit (G1102, $29.95).  If you have any baby projects on your list, GET this workshop kit.  The paper is adorable (love the elephant pattern), and the stamp set is really sweet.   To order this paper pack and stamp set, visit my website at http://christina.ctmh.com.

I've been seeing these "pleated" cards on Pinterest, and I thought it was about time to sit myself down and make one.  They are SUPER easy.  There are lots of different patterns, some with more pleats, some that cascade down from both sides.  Once you make one, you'll get the idea.  Stay tuned. . .I hope to get some measurements and directions posted later next month.  For this card, I used the Florence paper pack.  The flowers are cut on the Cricut (I'm thinking it was Artiste) and sequins coordinate with our Florence paper pack.  

Here's another fun card technique that every card maker should learn:  pinwheel cards.  They're a fun way to show off patterned paper, like this paper from the Happy Times paper pack.  They're also a great way to use up those little scrap pieces of patterned paper you might have in your stash.  

  

I saw these paper purses a few months ago, and I finally got the chance this week to give it a whirl!  I used the Georgie paper pack, and I think it turned out really cute, but honestly, I think this bag would look cute with ANY paper!!

A favorite new product

I like about everything in our new Seasonal Expressions 2 catalog, but the Cut Above card kits are becoming one of my FAVORITE items.  We've had Cut Above card kits before, but the new ones are spectacular because they provide you with a nice patterned card front that's so easy to mix with other papers.  And the metallic dots and stripes give it a fun pop.  If you're in a hurry, just stick with the circles provided in the kit, stamp a quick message and assemble.  We've got all kinds of M-size stamp sets that will fit into the circle message.  If you've got a little more time, try adding other patterned papers or embellishments to create an easy custom card.

These card kits also mix quite nicely with the Happy Times paper pack, our May special (see previous post).  The floral paper on the flamingo cards below comes from this paper pack (inspired by Susan Williams).  To see our Cut Above selections and order online, visit my website, http://christina.ctmh.com/retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=99

This is the Cut Above Fiesta Card Kit, Z3222, for $10.95

This is the Cut Above Jubilee Card Kit, Z3223, for $10.95

MAY SPECIALS ARE SPECTACULAR!!!

May is National Scrapbooking Month, and Close to My Heart has some fantastic specials lined up for this month.  If you're a savvy shopper, you can take advantage of all the deals in one order!

First, we have the Happy Times National Scrapbooking Month special.  I adore this paper, and everything I've seen made with it is DARLING.  You must, must, must get yourself a pack of this paper. . .right now--don't wait another second!!!   Scroll down a couple of posts to see the layouts and cards that I've made with it, and you'll see why I love it!  You can get this paper pack FREE with a $60 purchase or you can get it for $14.95 with no additional purchase requires.  We also have a lovely coordinating stamp set that you can purchase.  To order, visit my website at http://christina.ctmh.com

The second deal running this month is that all of our current scrapbooks are 25% off while supplies last.  YUP. . .ALL OF THEM!  And, your discounted albums do count toward your qualifying purchase to get the Happy Times paper pack or the Stamp of the Month.

The third deal is our Stamp of the Month, Celebrate With Cake.  Now, I have to be honest with you. . .when I first saw this stamp set, I didn't get all that excited.  I don't tend to like the "hand drawn" look.  But, I'm starting to see some fun artwork done with this set.  It lends itself wonderfully to watercolor techniques, which are all the rage right now.  It's also beautiful embossed.  Try embossing your cake in gold and combining it with the gold paper in the Happy Times paper pack, and you've got a match made in heaven!!

As always, the Stamp of the Month is only $5 with a $50 purchase OR you can purchase it at full price for $17.95.  But, it's only available in May.